15 Reasons to Stay in Long Beach When Visiting Southern California

Approximately 22 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, CA has spent a lot of time in LA’s shadow—but it has a whole lot to offer in its own right. Here are 15 reasons to stay in Long Beach—instead of LA proper—on your next visit to the area:

1. Long Beach has its own airport and is immediately surrounded by downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Universal Studios, Disneyland, and many other attractions, but is less expensive and features an authentic taste of Southern California.

Tip: You need a password to get into the basement bar under The Federal, and if you get it—don’t bother. It’s a poser bar where the bartenders take too long to make and serve drinks that taste like kamikaze shots, and then charge a buttload. Stick to the street-level bars.

4. 2nd Street in Belmont Shore is an adorable beach street flanked by canals and lined with affordable shopping and a great mix of eateries and pubs that have been around for decades.

5. Hotel Maya is a hidden treasure. It sits on its own peninsula, is decorated with a unique modern art flair and will make you feel like you’re at a high-end resort in Cabo, yet with access to the fun social scene of a city.

11. Catalina Island is a short boat ride away, which means a fun day out on an island is only an hour away. The boat terminal is conveniently located near the Aquarium of the Pacific.

12. All the good stuff in the OC is just up Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Seal Beach is a charming old-fashioned beach town with a great independent theater. Huntington Beach is a long-time mecca for surfing, sun and babes.

13. Schooner or Later and its local-favorite Sunday brunch on the water with a fun crowd, diverse menu selection and champagne.

14. Laguna Beach is just up PCH and offers a varied day out of art, food and combing the tide pools.

15. The Queen Mary. This fascinating historic ship and hotel is also a destination for food, drinks, exhibits with festivals, and events throughout the year. Onboard, Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Lounge has a panoramic view and an elegant yesteryear feel.

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About the Author

Cynthia Cunniff’s writing background spans magazine editorial, travel blogging, marketing and PR. She’s a graduate of the creative writing program at CSU Long Beach and went on to UCLA to further her writing skills. Growing up as a military dependent, she lived in several foreign countries and areas of the US. Post college she returned to international living and resided in London for close to a decade, where she took advantage of proximity to the rest of Europe and traveled extensively. She currently lives in the beautiful South Bay of Los Angeles, and can be found on Twitter and Instagram @localpathworld.

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